Researchers analyzed mortality data from 103 countries to track excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found significant increases in deaths in some countries, while others saw a decrease due to social distancing measures.
Researchers created a new open-access database to speed up the repurposing of old drugs as new treatments for various conditions. The NICEdrug.ch database includes information on 250,000 potential drug molecules and shows promising results in predicting drug behavior.
A new model using simple changes in microbe growth curves can predict how antibiotic resistance evolves in response to different treatment combinations, doses and sequences. The model helps explain counterintuitive behavior observed in past experiments, such as slowed evolution when combining two antibiotics.
A new study in rats reveals that empathetic responses to fellow group members drive the desire to help them, but not strangers. This finding suggests a common biological mechanism driving socially biased behavior in humans and potentially other mammals.
Researchers found that Caenorhabditis elegans worms learn to optimise their foraging activity by switching their response to pheromones in the environment. The worms adapt to sensory cues to maximize food intake during foraging, associating pheromones with food availability and changing their movements accordingly.
Researchers developed a statistical model using platelet and white blood cell counts to distinguish between severe malaria and other illnesses. This model could help identify misdiagnosed children with alternative causes of illness, speeding up research on new treatments.
Researchers found that early events in tasks or interactions shape current mood more significantly than later ones. The study's Primacy model explains this finding, suggesting new directions for mood interventions tailored to individual patients.
Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.
A new study reveals that a hormone in fat cells inside bone marrow helps regulate bone and fat production. The findings suggest potential new approaches to treating conditions like osteoporosis.
A study published in eLife reveals how plants produce defence chemicals that vary across Europe due to genetic variation, environmental pressures, and geographical location. The research found that different regions have unique profiles of these chemical compounds, shaped by factors such as weather conditions and landscape features.
Researchers discovered weaker gamma brain waves in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy peers. This finding suggests a potential new way to diagnose these conditions and may lead to earlier intervention.
A study in fruit flies and rat models reveals that traumatic brain injury disrupts nuclear transport machinery, leading to protein build-up and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers identify a key enzyme and molecule involved in the process, highlighting a potential target for new treatments.
Scientists have created a miniature 3D bone marrow model that can predict patient responses to Eltrombopag therapy for platelet disorders. The model uses silk protein scaffolding and patient-derived cells to recreate human bone marrow conditions.
Researchers found that T cells can make mistakes when identifying healthy cells from infected ones, even when binding tightly to antigens. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improve cancer therapies.
A rare mutation causes Parkinson's disease-like symptoms by disrupting dopamine transport, suggesting treatments targeting the transporters could alleviate symptoms. A malaria drug helps alleviate movement problems in genetically modified fruit flies with the mutation.
A mathematical model predicts how bacterial mutations impact antibiotic success. The study suggests measuring mutation levels is crucial for determining treatment failure and informs novel strategies. Multiple mutations limit drug resistance evolution substantially, depending on drug type and administration route.
A new mathematical model provides unique insights into the multiscale biological alterations in the elderly and neurodegenerative brain, linking genetic changes to cognitive decline. The study identified genes contributing to healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression, with implications for future treatment targets.
Researchers have developed a new approach to analysing the forces at play behind diseased heart vessels, which could help cardiologists predict heart attacks in patients. The study used optical coherence tomography images to generate patient-specific reconstructions of coronary plaques and analyse stress concentrations.
A new four-drug combination treatment has shown promise in preventing cancer metastasis without triggering drug resistance. The treatment targets multiple pathways to suppress cancer cell spread and may help identify patients who would benefit from such therapy.
A study in mice reveals genes and metabolic processes that could aid or hinder recovery after a heart attack, with potential targets for treatments. The research used systems biology approaches to analyze gene activity across multiple tissues, identifying common and tissue-specific responses.
Researchers studied age-related changes in kidney function, combining protein analysis with gene transcription. They found that aging kidneys have increased immune cells, inflammation, and decreased mitochondrial energy production. This suggests that therapies promoting protein building or slowing breakdown may help treat age-related k...
Researchers discovered unique genetic signatures linked to protective processes like DNA repair in people who live beyond 105 years. They found that these individuals have more efficient DNA repair mechanisms and a lower burden of mutations in specific genes.
Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.
Becker disease is caused by unusual electrical activity in muscle fibers, leading to temporary inactivity and weakness. Researchers identify the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and propose potential new therapies.
A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.
A study published in eLife found that an overgrowth of yeast in the gut within the first few months of life may increase the risk of asthma later on. The period after birth is critical for immune system development and gut microbiome health, and disruptions to gut bacteria can lead to asthma.
A comprehensive analysis of the molecular signatures of aging across diverse tissue cells in mice reveals coordinated global aging behavior. The study identifies shared aging genes and develops a single-cell aging score, shedding light on the complex aging process in different types of cells.
A gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with a rare disorder, suggesting a combination approach may preserve vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa. Researchers found that using Txnip gene therapies, along with treatments for oxidative stress and inflammation, provided additional protection for the cells.
Researchers genetically modified mosquitoes to express antimalarial genes, which were then passed on to their offspring. The approach shows promise in reducing mosquito populations and combating malaria.
A study published in eLife suggests that high social status contributes to accelerated aging in male baboons, with higher body mass index and increased physical demands being key factors. In contrast, early life adversity is not a significant predictor of premature aging.
A study of 11 autopsy cases reveals high viral loads in lungs causing significant damage, but also detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA in other tissues without visible damage. This suggests the immune system may be unable to respond adequately to the virus' presence in the blood.
A study published in eLife found that selenium supplementation protects against diet-induced obesity in mice, reducing levels of energy-regulating hormones IGF-1 and leptin. The researchers also observed increased healthspan in yeast grown under selenium-supplemented conditions.
COVID-19 survivors may experience blood clots due to a lingering immune response that damages blood vessels. The study found twice as many damaged blood vessel cells in COVID-19 survivors compared to healthy individuals.
A new technique called GETMap can trace the source of circulating DNA in the blood, which could be used to monitor organ transplant rejection, detect hidden cancers, and even screen for early asymptomatic cancers. The test identifies genetic and epigenetic markers to determine whether DNA comes from a specific tissue or organ.
A study published in eLife found that domestication has a consistent effect on the gut microbiota of animals, similar to the effects of industrialisation in human populations. The research highlights the flexibility of the gut microbiota and its ability to respond to ecological changes.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic variant that dampens innate immunity to COVID-19, increasing the risk of severe disease in younger men. Genetic testing and interferon treatment may benefit affected individuals.
Researchers discovered how bacterial colonies form multilayered biofilms when exposed to antibiotics, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study's findings suggest that breaking up the formation of these biofilms could be an effective strategy for treating infections.
A new study published in eLife found that deforestation in Southeast Asia can lead to an initial increase in malaria infections before declining over time. The researchers suggest that wider deforestation can drive human behavior changes, increasing exposure to mosquitoes and risk of infection.
Adults born prematurely may be more susceptible to severe influenza infections due to disruptions in their lung biological clock, research in mice suggests. The study found that premature infants who received life-saving oxygen were more likely to develop long-term lung problems and increased flu risk.
A study found that toxins produced by bacteria can cause mutations in target cells, providing a competitive advantage and contributing to the evolution of bacterial populations. The toxins, which remove chemical groups from DNA, were found to be effective in causing mutations in certain bacterial species.
A new study published in eLife found that combining healthy lifestyle interventions with cholesterol-lowering medications yields the greatest benefits to heart health. Healthy lifestyles, including exercise and a balanced diet, can lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
A study in mice suggests that iron processing in the body may contribute to heart failure, and blocking this process could be a way of protecting the heart. Researchers found that inhibiting the release of stored iron can reduce cell death and stabilize oxygen levels.
Researchers discovered a potential treatment approach for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome by blocking the ICMT protein, which improves affected cells without hindering growth and division. The study found that treating HGPS cells with C75, an ICMT inhibitor, delays cell deterioration and stimulates growth.
A new computer modeling tool integrates real-time data to help clinicians determine if a child with diarrhoea needs antibiotics. The tool shows promising results, reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by over 50%.
A growing body of evidence suggests that losing helminth parasites could contribute to aging-associated inflammation. Intentional infection with helminths or helminth-derived proteins may have anti-inflammaging properties, potentially preventing age-related diseases such as heart disease and dementia.
A universal leptospirosis vaccine candidate has been developed, providing cross-protection against different species of the Leptospira genus. The attenuated vaccine elicited a wide range of protein-specific antibodies, targeting key proteins critical to the bacteria's survival.
Researchers found that fruit flies' lifespan is shortened when given a choice of foods, which affects their metabolism and brain chemistry. The study's findings may have implications for human aging, as similar metabolic pathways exist in humans.
Researchers found that two SARS-CoV-2 relatives, OC43 and 229E, can evolve their spike proteins to evade the immune system, potentially making current vaccines outdated. The study suggests that these viruses may evolve at a rate similar to the seasonal flu, requiring new vaccines to be developed to match future strains.
A new study found that gut microbes can affect bone mass and structure in mice, with treatments altering the gut microbiome potentially aiding healthy skeletal growth. The findings suggest that microbes can be inherited or transmitted between individuals and impact skeletal development.
A mathematical model developed by researchers predicts that autologous gene-edited stem cell transplants could achieve viral control after antiretroviral therapy withdrawal. The conditions required for this include a sufficient dose of edited stem cells and allowing them to repopulate the blood before ART is stopped.